A lot of us stayed home this season and did most of our Christmas shopping without ever leaving our chairs. Online shopping was more popular this year than ever with Amazon recording its biggest day ever with $4 million in sales on December 11.

The season was disappointing for retailers though, so many are slashing post-holiday prices in an effort to make up the lost sales.

And as retailers further discount high-ticket items consumers will be out looking for presents for themselves. And, why not? There’s no better time to get a great deal on that luxury item you have wanted all year but resisted the urge to purchase. Post-season savings could even make it affordable.

Christmas is over. ‘Tis the season to be selfish.

Wal-Mart started early this year, slashing prices on electronics and other big-ticket items well before the traditional day-after-Thanksgiving Christmas season shopping kickoff.

And they continue. Wal-Mart has cut prices four times since mid-October and promises more savings and discounts for holiday shoppers. If you are a competitor, what are you going to do?

That’s right, you are going to try to keep up and that is exactly what Target is doing. Just as Target tried to follow in Wal-Mart’s footsteps over the $4 generic drug prices, so they follow in the discounting of popular electronics and other items that are high on Christmas shopping lists.

All of this can only be good news for consumers. Price wars ultimately will benefit all shoppers at both stores this season. Best advice for Christmas shopping? Before you buy, check the competitor’s price, it may have just gone down.

The online Christmas shopping season has already begun and 114 million consumers are expected to use this avenue fronm now until Christmas. If you will be doing some or all of your shopping online, the Better Business Bureau offers a list of questions to keep in mind to make your shopping experience a safe and secure one.

1. Is your computer protected? Make sure your computer is equipped with updated spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a secure firewall. Check for and install any new security updates for the programs on your computer and its operating system.

2. Are you in the right frame of mind? You can shop with speed and ease on the Internet, but you still need to shop smart. If you’re tired or distracted, you may want to postpone your online shopping expedition until you can be fully cyber-”aware.”

3. Do you trust the merchant? To check on the seller’s reputation, look for feedback comments from other customers or conduct Web searches. Check with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) for a report about the retailer’s marketplace record. Look for a “trustmark” from BBBOnLine or another reputable organization and “click” on that seal to confirm that it’s valid. You can search for BBBOnLine merchants by gift category or other key words at www.bbbonline.org.

4. Do you have all the details? Don’t do business with any retailer that does not provide its physical address and a contact telephone number for customers. You should know how much the product or service costs; if there are shipping and handling charges; the delivery time-frame; if a warranty or guarantee is offered; the seller’s privacy policy and the retailer’s cancellation and return policy. Print out a copy of your confirmation page in case you need it later.

5. Will your online purchase be secure? Look in the address box for the “s” in https:// and in the lower-right corner for the “lock” symbol before paying. Don’t be fooled by spoofed sites that feature convincing “security” measures. If you have doubts about a site, right-click anywhere on the page and select “Properties.” This will let you see the real URL (Web site address) and the dialog box will reveal if the site is “not encrypted.”

6. Will your personal information be protected? Read the site’s privacy policy to understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If there isn’t one posted, consider that a warning that your personal information may be sold to others without your permission.

7. Are your instincts telling you to beware? Listen to your gut. If you’re dubious about a merchant; if the Web site appears to be suspicious; if the offer seems “too good to be true,” trust your instincts. Check with the BBB.

8. Is that e-mail legitimate? If someone e-mails you unexpectedly to ask for personal information, be very suspicious. Legitimate businesses do not send e-mails claiming problems with an order or an account to lure the “buyer” into revealing financial information. Pick up the phone and call the contact number on the Web site where you made the purchase to ask if there was a problem with your transaction.

BBB Offers Tips for Safe Shopping Online This Holiday Season